If 2020 was a year of the unexpected, of great change happening around us but just outside our control, expect 2021 to be a year where the balance shifts back toward the consumer. With a vaccine on the way expect a sense of normalcy to return to society. That said, it would be foolish to expect things to be exactly the same. There will be a new normal, what does that look like?
Looking Back?
To better understand where we’re heading it’s informative to see where we’ve been. If Digital Marketing and the digital marketplace were growing prior to 2020 outside factors put the pedal to the metal. This year virtual doctor’s appointments gained prominence, to-go orders became the norm, not the exception, and, writ large, the internet became more important than ever. 2020 changed, well, everything.
What’s next?
It would be foolish to expect things to go back to how they were before COVID-19. Things may return back to normal somewhat but there will be lasting effects and ongoing change. We anticipate working from home to continue to be somewhat of the norm, consumers will expect the things they liked about lockdown to continue: virtual meetings, delivery, and a robust digital experience. If lockdown taught us anything it is what we are all capable of as a society. Expect walk-ins and general foot traffic to rebound somewhat but never to pre-2020 levels.
New Years Resolutions
We may be biased but your website and digital presence will be more important than ever in 2021. If, in the past, the web was a way to make the real world better and easier expect 2021 to be a year where the web is the experience. It will be more important than ever for you to engage, communicate, and convert online. There are several ways to get ahead of the game:
- Offer delivery, telehealth, or virtual appointments
- Allow these to be scheduled and completely executed online
- Engage with your community online
- This can be done by you via social media or by an agency that really understands your business
- Generate reviews
- With people interacting, and even creating communities, online having reviews is more important than ever. They signal that you are a trustworthy business rated by your prospect’s peers
- Master Search
- Whether local search, conversion-based search, or Facebook-specific search Google is your shop window, be sure you have a lot of windows and your display looks great
- Go Mobile!
- Mobile device usage continues to grow, we’ve been saying this for years and will continue to trumpet: your website has to work on mobile!
- Start an Ad campaign
- An ad campaign is a great way to attract new customers or to reach out to your existing ones and let them know you’re still around. Now, more than ever, consumers want to be kept up to date about what’s going on with you
As always, you can reach out to us at any time. We want to hear from you! What is your business anticipating next year? How do you anticipate your needs will change? Are you ready to accelerate your business?
